Nonenzymatic glycation of plasma proteins in smokers.

Glycation is known to play a key role in complications of many pathophysiological processes. The present study was carried out to assess whether there are abnormalities of nonenzymatic glycation of proteins in smokers. Fourteen current smokers and 10 healthy nonsmokers were enrolled for the present study. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, fructosamine and total plasma glycated proteins were evaluated. A significant rise in the mean levels of fructosamine and total plasma glycated proteins were found in smokers when compared with controls. Significant difference in insulin values was observed between these two groups. When Pearson's correlation analysis was performed, no significant correlation was found between fasting plasma glucose with either fructosamine or total plasma glycated protein levels. These data suggest an increased glycation of proteins in smokers independent of glucose concentration.